Wheel.



T. E. WAM-RIDGE.'

WHEEL.

.APPLICATION FILED 00129; 190s. BENEWBD Jim1: 2, 190e.

Patented Feb. 9, 1909.

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T. H. WALBRIDGB.

WHEEL. APPLICATION FILED.00T.29, 1906. RBNEWED JUNE 2, 1908.

l Patented Feb. 9, 1909.

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T. H. WALBRIDGE.

WHEEL. i A PPLIOATIONHLBD ooT.z9, 190s.V RBNBWEDUUNB z, 190s. 91 1,926. Patented Feb. 9, 1909.

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UNITED {srnirns refr f Nr ons .on

rrioMAs H. 'WAL-BRIDGE, 'o'Ff'roLEDd ionio im. 911,926. A

'y speciiication of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 9, 1909 Application filedOctober 29, 1905Ser1a11o. 340,974. Renewed June 2, 190B. vSerial No. 436,225.

lb. all whom it, mag/.ccncerm Y --Be :it iknown that .1, TnoMAs H. Vvii/AL- BRIDGE, of Toledo, Ohio, have invented acertain .new and useful Improvement in Wheels,

whereof the followingfis .a .specification, rei- "erencebeing had to theacco'mpanyingdra'wings.

.As -hereinafter *.described, my `.invention comprises a wheel hubconsistiiig olf-,opposed complementary sections arranged to detachably engage'spokes arranged in aci-r- `ciimterential series, and wedgingi meansV in said hub arranged to individually draw said V spokes radially inward, the larrangement being such that the fellyk and hub are connected undertension bythe spokes, the degree oi tension being determined by the wedgiiig means aforesaid.

My invention comprisesthe various novel features of construction and arrangement hereinafter' more definitelyv specified.

In said drawings, 4Figure I, is a `fragmentary diametrical sectional view ,of -a wheel hub, embodyingmy improvement, thelower Yhalf Voi" `the hub being shown in elevation.

Fig. II, is a sectional viewetakenon the line II, II, in Fig.;I. Fig. III, is airagmentary perspective view of the `wedge ring shown in section in Fig'. I. Fig. IV, is a viewsimilar to Fig.'I, butshowing a modiiied form of my invention. Fig. V, is 'a view similar to Fig. I, but showing a modiiied form of my invention. Fig. VI, is a perspective view of oneoi the wedges shown-in section in Fig. V. Fig. VII, is a viewsimilar-to Fig. I, but'showing a modified form of my invention. Fig. VIII, is a .perspective view of one of the wedges .shown insection in Fig. VII. Fig. IX, is a view similarto Fig. I, but showinga modiied Jform of my invention in connection with aielly. Fig. X, isa perspective view-ol' one oi the wedges shown in section in Fig. IX.

Referring to theiorm loi' my invention shown in Figs. I, II, and III the axle 1, has

thescrew thread 2, atits outer end for -engagement with the `nut 3, and is provided with the sleeve 4, having the abutment flange 5, extending transverse y with respect thereto to determine the location of the wheel thereon. The skein 7, has its. outer end 8, iitted directly upon the axle, and its inner end 9, Vfitted upon the outer. portion 1.0of the sleeve-4, .said sleeve being of circular cross'sectionwithin the wheel hub, but being rectangular :throughout .its portion -extendmovable axia .adjustmentrof the ball bearings, comprising saidrings 12 'and=13,\the'ri`ngs 15 andfl ing inwardlyfromv said flange 5, in order to tween the axle and the vehicle.

separatedfa,predetermined distance, but is ly with saidv rings to permit the which are respectively opposed to them Vin .the axle box 17, and, the two series of balls .18 and19, which are mounted between them. .The outerend oisaid axle box-17, is provided vwith the recess'20, for thedust ring 21 which may be conveniently formed of felt or similar material eiicirclingothe loose collar 22, which abuts against the all ring 13, on the axle 1. Said dust ring 21, is retained in position by the washer 24, supported by the nut 3. The

inner end .of the axle box 17, is provided with thescrewzthreaded flange 26, engaged by the ball bearing adjusting cap 27, having the wrench hold 28, `whereby the ball race 15, maybe shifted axially in itsrecess 29 in said box 17.V The joint between said rings 12 land 15 is covered by the dust ring 30, which is retained in'position by the `washer 31, supported bytheiiange 5. the inner edge of said cap 27, and box 17,

. may be filled with vwashers 34 as indicated in Fig. I. Said -box17 comprises the iiange 36 in *rigid f relation therewith, engaging the inner, ends oi vthe spokes 37, the opposite sides of said spokesbeing engaged by the loose clamp ring 38. The inner ends of said Tspokes 37, are respectively provided with the has s 40, which, as shown in Fig. II, are

ybig ts oi slieetmetal secured in rigid relation with the ends ofthe spokes and comprising recesses 41, in which individual wedges 42 are iitted as indicated in Fig. I. -Asf shown in Fig. III, said wedges 42 are carried by the thrust ring 43, being conveniently formed in Vunitary yrelation therewith Said wedges 42 are axiallyadjusted to tensely strain the spokes 37, in the hub, by rotation ot the thrust sleeve 45, which has screw threads 146, engaging the box 17 and a wrench hold 47, exterior to the hub. I/Vhen saidspokes 37 have been roperly adjusted so asto be strained inwar y with respect to the hub, `by rotation oi the thrust sleeve 4 5,

they. may be clamped between the stationary Vflange 36, andthe `loose clamp ring 38, by-rotation olf the clamping nut 48, which `has screw threads 49, engaging said thrust sleeve l The space between l.form a seat 'for the spring connection be- Saidskein. g7, maintains theball bearing rings 12 and 13,

45 and is provided with the wrench hold 50, exterior to the hub. i

Referring to the form of my invention shown in Fig. IV; the axle 51, has the screw thread 52, for the nut 53 and is provided with the sleeve 54 having the flange 55 which forms an abutment determining the position of the wleel on the axle. Said axle 51 is provided with the skein 57, having the ilange 58 at its inner end, in contact with said flange 55, retaining the ball bearing ring 59, and, said skein has Ythe removable screw Y threaded flange 60, at its outer end retaining the ball bearing ring 61, and supported by the nut 53. The axle box 63, carries the ball bearing rings 64 and 65, respectively opposed to the rings 59 and 61 and provided with the two series of balls 66 and 67. The individual wedges 68, which are fitted in the hasps 69, of the respective spokes 70, are directly supported by said box 63, and preferably in unitary relation therewith as indicated. The joint between the ball bearing rings 59 and 64, is sealed by the dust ring 71 which is retained by the flange 72 on the screw threaded Vcollar 73, which latter supports the loose clamp ring 74, engaging the inner ends of the spokes 70. Said spokes 70, are engaged, upon the opposite side, by the loose clamp ring 75 and may be adjusted axially with res ect to the wedges 68, so as to tenselystrain t iem inwardly with respect to the hub, by rotation of the thrust sleeve 77, which has the screw thread 78 engaged with the box 63. The joint between the ball bearing rings 61 and 65 is sealed by the dust ring 80, which is retained by the flange 81, carried by said thrust sleeve 77.

Referring to the form of my invention shown in Figs. V and VI the axle 85, has the screw thread 86, for the nut 87, and is provided with a sleeve 88 having the flange 90,

which forms an abutment determining the .i

Said axle position of the wheel on the axle. 85, is provided with a skein 91, having the flange 92, at its inner end supporting the ball bearing ring 93, and, said skein has the flange 94, at its outer end supporting the ball bearing ring 95. The axle box 97, carries tle ball bearing rings 98 and 99, respectively opposed to tie rings 98 and 95, and provided with tle two series ol' balls 101 and 102. The joint between the bearing rings 98 and 98, is sealed by the dust guard ring 103 wl ich is retained by tire flange 90, and, the joint between the bearing rings and 99 is sealed by the dust guard ring 104, which is retained by the nut 87. Said bearings are adjustable by the ring 106, which supports the ring 99, and is provided with a screw thread 107, in engagement with the box 97. The spokes 109, are provided with hasps 110, at their inner end sr which support removable hasp members 111 and 112, which are wedge shaped and project transversely with respect to the spokes. Said hasp members 111 are engaged within the annular wedge shaped ilange 114, which is in rigid relation with the axle box 97, and the hasp members 112 are engaged within the annular wedge shaped flange 115 on the thrust sleeve 116, which latter is provided with a screw thread 117, engaged with the axle box 97. Said thrust sleeve 116, being provided with the wrench hold 119, exterior to the hub, maybe rotated with respect to the latter so as to tensely strain the spokes 109, inwardly with respect to trie hub.

ltel'erring to the 'form ol my invention shown in lligs. V11 and V111; the axle 121, has the screw thread 122 i'or the nut 123, and is provided with a sleeve 124, havingthe flange 125, which lorins an abutment determining the position ol' the wheel on the axle. Said ax.e 121, is provided with a skein 127, having the 'flange 128, at its inner end supported by the flange 125, and retaining the ball bearing ringl 129. Said skein 127 has the removabey screw threaded flange 131, at its outer end retaining the ball bearing ring 132, and supported by the nut 128. The axie box 134, carries the ball bearing rings 135 and 136, respectively opposed to the rings 129 and 132, and provided with the two series ol' balls 137 and 138. The joint between the ball bearing rings 129 and 185, is sea.ed by the dust guard ring 140, which is retained by the ring 141, in screw threaded engagement with the ax.e box 134. 'l`he joint between the ball bearing rings 132 and 136, is sea.ed by the dust guard ring 143, which is retained by the washer 144, supported by the nut 123. The spokes 146, are provided with hasps 147 at their inner ends which support removable hasp members 148 and 149 which project transversely with respect to the spokes, and are provided with wedge shaped recesses 151 and 152 respectively fitted to the annular wedges 154 and 155. Said annular wedge 154, is supported by the flange 157, on the axle box 1214. Said annular wedge 155, is supported and arranged to be adjusted by the thrust seeve 159, which has the screw thread 160 in engagement with the ax.e box 1234.

hel'erring to the ll'orm el' my invention shown in ldigs. IX and X, the. axle 165, has the screw thread 166, lor the nut 167 and is provided with the flange 168, which forms an abutment determining the position oll the wheel on the axle. Said axie 165 is provided with the skein 169, having the llai'lge 170, at its inner end in contact with said flange 168, and retaining the ball bearing ring 171. Said skein 169, has the removable screw threaded flange 173, at its outer end, retaining the ball bearing ring` 174 and supported by the nut 167. The axle bex 176, carries the ball bearing rings 177 and 178 respectively opposed to the rings 171 and 174,

and provided with the two seriesof ballsr180 withthe box-176, and, the joint between the bearing rings 174 and`1`78 is sealedbythe -dust guard ring 187 which vis lretained bythe flange 173. The spokes .188 are provided with the hasps j 189 comprising `the wedge shaped ledges 190 and 191, extending oppositely therefrom beyond the perimeterof the spoke and in alinement with lthe axis of the wheel. Said hasp members 1'90areengaged within the annular wedge shaped iiange V193 which is in rigid relation with the axle box 176, and, the hasp members 191, are engaged within the annular wedge shaped 'flange 195, on the thrust sleeve 196, which latter is provided with the screw thread 197, engaged with the axle box 176. Said thrust sleeve 196 being provided with the wrench hold 198 exterior' to the hub, may be rotated with re-` spect to the latter so as to tensely strain the spokes 188, inwardly with respect to the hub. Said hasps 189 may be secured to the inner ends of the spokes 188 by any convenient means, but I prefer to secure them by providing each of the spokeswith a rod V200, having a screw thread 201 at its inner end engaged with its hasp 189, and having means at its outer end for connecting the spoke with the felly 202. As shown in Fig. IX, the outer end of the spoke 188is provided with the bushing 203, through which the rod 200 extends, and said rod is rovided with the head 204, which overlaps t 1e felly member 205 and rigidly connects the felly with the spoke. Y Y

Although the wrench holds upon the exterior of the hub may be conveniently made polygonal or indented as above described, it is to be understood that a Wrench hold for a spanner wrench of the friction typemay be afforded by a smooth cylindrical surface.

In all of the forms of my invention above described, the spokes are provided with distinct means at their inner ends whereby they.

may be engaged, drawnY inwardlyv with respect to the hub, and tensely Vstrained between the hub and the felly, and, I have used the word hasp as comprehensive of any loop or hook structure of the character contemplated, carried by the inner ends of the spokes, whereby they may be engaged and strained as described. Moreover, it may be observed that'the wedge shaped members which extend transversely with respect to the spokes at the inner ends thereof have bearings in the hub at each `end of said members,` supporting them in opposition tothe tensile. strain thereon.

I do not desire to limit myself to the precise details of construction and arrangement herein described, as it is obvious that various modi-fications may be made therein without departing from the -Seope v.of the 'following claims.

'I'Ifclaim Y i 1. In a wheeLthe combinationwith"a-hub,

.v of spokeslhaving wedge vengaging hasps at ytheir inner ends of wedging means insaid hub arranged to engage the innerendsof the `spokes and draw them-toward the wheel axis, comprising distinctindividual wedges respectively engagi-ng said'hasps; and, a vthrust Y ringin operativer-relation with said wedges, substantially as set forth.

k2. In a wheel, thecombination with a hub, of spokes having wedge engaging hasps at their inner ends; wedging means in said hub arranged to engage the inner ends of the spokesfand draw them toward the Wheel axis, comprising distinct wedges respectively engaqing said hasps; a thrust ring` in operative relation with said wedges; .and bearings'at each end of said wedges supporting them in opposition to the tensile strain thereon, substantially as set forth.

3. In a wheel, the combination with a hub, of spokes having wedge engaging recesses at their inner ends; of wedging means in said hub arranged to engage the inner ends of the spokes and draw them toward the wheel axis,

comprising distinct wedges res ectively engaging saidrecesses; and, a t rust ring 1n Voperative relation with said wedges, said wedges being carried by said ring, substantially as set forth.

4. In a wheel, the Vcombination with a hub,

. of spokes having Wedge engaging recesses at their inner ends; of wedging means in said hub arranged to engage the inner ends of the spokes and draw them toward the wheel axis, comprising distinct wedges respectively engaging said recesses; a thrust ring in operative relation with said wedges; and, a thrust sleeve in screw threaded engagement with said hub, arranged to adjust said Wedges with-respectto said spokes, substantially as set forth.

5.. In a wheel, the combination with a hub, of spokes having wedge engaging recesses at their inner ends of Wedging means in said hub arranged to engage the inner ends of the spokes and draw them toward the wheel axis, 4

`a felly, and spokes having Wedge engaging recesses at their inner ends; of two circumferential series of wedges, 1n said hub, respectively engaging recesses 1n the inner ends of said spokes, from opposite sides thereof; and thrust rings respectively in operative relation with said tWo series of Wedges, arranged to draw said spokes toward the Wheel axis, substantially as set forth.

7. In a Wheel comprising a hub, a telly, and spokes connecting` thein under tension, the combination With an axle loox of Wedges in said box respectively engaged with recesses in the inner ends of said spokes; a thrust sleeve in screw threaded engagement With said box, arranged to adjust said Wedges with respect to said spokes; a iange in rigid relation lwith said box engaging the inner ends of said spokes g a loose clamp ring` on said box, ens'aing said spokes in opposition to said rigid flange; and, a clamping nut in screw threaded engagement with said thrust sleeve; arranged to clamp said ring;` against said spokes, substantially as set forth.

ln testimon)T Whereoliy ll have hereunto signed in v name at Toledo, Ohio, this soventeenth day of October, 1906.

THOMAS H. Vi/YALBRIDGE.

vWitnesses A. C. VAN DnnisnN, VAN VONNEH. 

